[sojuiced]

I went to my DPW office to seek medical insurance. I didn't qualify for it before because of my income. But now I am 12 weeks pregnant and I need the insurance. I came with a note from ER stating that I was indeed the info I pregnant and how far I was. Once I spoke with my caseworker over the in office phone she told me she would be out to take had.
Instead of giving me the privacy of going in the back for an interview, she decided to tell me that she needed my Due Date and I could go to a free clinic to retrieve that info. Not discreetly she blurted it out right in front of the whole waiting area. Not only did she just tell the whole office I was pregnant but there had also been 3 people in there of whom knew me personally. I am not ashamed of my pregnancy but with my health it is just too early for an all out announcement you never know what could happen. Does anyone know my rights and what should I do?

[J_9]

Before I respond I need to know what office you were in. Was this the doctor's office? Your post is quite confusing.

[ScottGem]

You can go to hipaa.org and file a complaint. But I doubt if any action will be taken on it. I doubt if this would even constitute a HIPAA violation since the case worker was not a medical provider. You might have better luck with talking to the case worker's supervisor. That might get you an apology.

But social services agencies are overworked and understaffed. They don't have the time or manpower to consider their client's privacy. So I think filing is a waste of time.

[sojuiced]

DPW Department of Public Welfare

[sojuiced]

Um overworked or not they do have laws they have to follow. They do follow a HIPPA law this went into effect in April 2003

[J_9]

Then no, no HIPAA violation occurred. HIPAA is the same as doctor/patient privilege. Since these people were not your doctors and/or nurses, there was no violation.